“With puns!” exclaimed the horrified vicar, who no sooner heard this appalling declaration, than like another Laocoon, he deprecated the introduction of the “_donum exitiale_” within the walls of Overton Lodge. But his hostility was soon disarmed, not by the circumvolutions of a snake around the body of the enraged orator, but by the embraces of little Rosa, who threw her arms around the neck of the vicar, with such supplicating grace, that at length he exclaimed, “Well, well; if it be the decree of the Fates, I must submit.” During this altercation, Mr. Seymour had procured the “wooden engine” from his study. “I will first,” said he, “exhibit the toy in its original state, and then show you the improvements which have been effected in it.” “Let us hear the account of its operation,” said the major, “which I perceive is enclosed within the box.” “True,” replied Mr. Seymour; “and I think you will agree that I have given a very plausible explanation of its effects.” “Plausible,” muttered the vicar, “plausible enough, no doubt; oh the Sinon!” Mr. Seymour then proceeded. “This toy is termed the THAUMATROPE.” “Of Grecian origin!” observed the vicar. “‘_Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes_,’ as Virgil has it.” “What is the meaning of the term?” asked Louisa. The vicar explained to her that it was compounded of the Greek words, θαυηα, and τρεπω; the former of which signified _wonder_, the latter _to turn_. “Exactly,” replied Mr. Seymour. “‘_A Wonder-turner_,’ or a toy which performs wonders by turning round: but let me proceed in the explanation.” He then continued to read as follows: “This philosophical toy is founded upon the well-known optical principle, that an impression made on the retina of the eye lasts for a short interval after the object which produced it has been withdrawn. During the rapid whirling of the card, the figures on each of its sides are presented with such quick transition, that they both appear at the same instant, and thus occasion a very striking and magical effect. On each of these cards a device is introduced, with an appropriate motto, or epigram; the point of which is answered, or explained, by the change which the figure assumes during the rapid whirling of the card.” “It may be very clever,” said the vicar, “but I do not understand it.” “But you shortly will; look at one of the cards.” Mr. Seymour then displayed a pasteboard circle, on the one side of which was figured a rat, and on the other, a cage; two strings were fastened in its axis, by which the card could easily be made to revolve, by means of the thumb and finger. Fearing that some of our readers may be as dull of comprehension as the vicar, we have introduced a sketch of the apparatus, in which both sides of the card are exhibited, with the strings by which it is whirled round. [Illustration: Two circular cards with strings attached, one with an empty cage and one with a rat.]